Made by ITV Studios through BBC Scotland, the new series is an original story which sees DI Jimmy Perez (Henshall) deal with murders from the past and present with unsettling similarities. When Shetlander, Thomas Malone (played by Stephen Walters) has his murder conviction overturned after 23 years behind bars, DI Perez has to reopen the investigation into the 1994 death of local teenager, Lizzie Kilmuir.

As suspicion surrounds Malone, a local journalist is found murdered in similar circumstances and he finds himself firmly in the frame again. Has Malone fooled the system in to releasing him only to murder again? Or was he a victim of a miscarriage of justice? As pressure mounts on Perez, he must look beyond the gossip and prejudice to get to the truth.

David Kane (Stonemouth) returns as the writer on four of the six episodes alongside Louise Ironside (Call The Midwife) as the writer of episode two and Paul Logue (DCI Banks) for episode three.

Kate Bartlett, Executive Producer, ITV Studios, says: “We are delighted to be working with BBC Scotland on this new series of Shetland. David Kane has created a compelling and distinctive crime story told across six hours. We are also thrilled to have the brilliant core cast return, led by Douglas Henshall.”

Gaynor Holmes, BBC Scotland’s Executive Producer, says: “We’re delighted to be making another series of Shetland for BBC One. Shetland has a loyal following and we’re sure they will be thrilled with the surprises we’ve got for them this time around.”